News

Posted: 02 December 2025

On Friday 21st November, junior participants from 15 different schools, rowing clubs, and youth groups gathered at Fettes College in Edinburgh for the first in-person Scottish Rowing Junior Indoor Championship under its new name. 

This year, Scottish Rowing decided to rename the league and championships as the Junior Indoor League and Championships to make the project more inclusive and encourage wider participation. The impact has already been significant: a total of 10 schools/clubs participated in the in-person final in 2024, and this year that number rose to 15 – an increase of 50%. With the addition of seven new clubs and groups, entries to this year’s Championship at Fettes rose by more than 100 compared to last year. We were also delighted to note that across the League and Championships 43% of all participants were female, and the League only schools/clubs participation rose from 12 organisations in 2024 to 18 in 2025.

We’re excited to see how our continuing changes will shape the event in future years.

Pupils supporting their peers at the Junior Indoor Championships, Scottish Rowing

The League structure is currently under review as we aim to develop a format that is simple for teachers, coaches, and supporters to implement within their organisations. At present, the League consists of three virtual rounds where juniors race for maximum distance within a set time and submit their scores. The final round is an in-person event, giving juniors the chance to race not only against their friends but also against peers from schools and clubs across the country.

The day began with the youngest competitors taking on a two-minute race for maximum distance, and progressed through the year groups, culminating in the S6 students’ six-minute challenge. After a short break, it was time for the relays – a highlight of the event. Relays offer a fantastic opportunity for teamwork, as students work together to master their changeovers and cover the set distance in the fastest time possible.

Olivia Bell, PE Teacher at Dollar Academy, who participated in the League and Championships for the first time in 2025 had this to say about the event:

“It was a brilliant experience for all our pupils. There was a true competitive environment and atmosphere built through our participation in the league which allowed pupils of all experience levels to come away from the championships with a positive experience. Great fun had by all and many new inspired athletes.”

Pupils supporting their peers at the Junior Indoor Championships, Scottish Rowing

The Championship event is a firm favourite among the Scottish Rowing team, as well as the staff and volunteers from participating schools and clubs. The atmosphere at the live final is always a brilliant mix of nerves and excitement, and it’s wonderful to see so many young people enjoying competitive rowing – a sport they might not otherwise have had the chance to experience.

Pupils Racing at the Junior Indoor Championships, Scottish Rowing

This year, we were delighted to welcome two Scottish GB Beach Sprint athletes, Cameron Buchan (UStA) and Laura McKenzie (GUBC), who came along to support the event. It was a privilege to see junior rowers interact with athletes who have represented Scotland on the world stage. Cam and Laura even joined in one of the most anticipated events of the day – the Teacher/Supporters Race! In this race, teachers, coaches, and support staff take to the rowing machines for a three-minute challenge of their own. It’s always the loudest event of the day and a truly heart-warming way to round off the competition.

Congratulations to George Watson’s College, who claimed the overall trophy for 2025! 

Pupils sitting ready at the start of their race, Scottish Rowing

As we review the League and Championship format, we’d love your input. If you’re a member of a club and would like to support a local school by providing access to rowing machines for the three virtual rounds, or if you’re part of an organisation that would like to get involved in the Junior Indoor League and Championships event, please get in touch via this form.

Alternatively, you can email us at league@scottish-rowing.org.uk and let us know what you’d like to see from the Junior Indoor League and Championships.